Based in Ellicott City, Maryland, Susan Veit Heslin has been writing songs and playing music most of her life.  She loves creating and listening to music.  Susan composes and performs on guitar and piano and has recently added ukulele to the mix.  She is proud to be a part of the diverse musical community that exists today.   
 Dave sat down with Susan to talk about her typical songwriting process and how that compares to taking the Raw Songwriting Challenge. Along the way, we talk about proper ways to critique songs. Get ready for a raw and riveting discussion about song craft.

Susan Veit Heslin - S1E6 Raw Songwriting

Host David Coile gives you a behind the scenes look at songwriting. In his challenge episodes, he asks his guest to create a brand new song in one week based on a shared prompt, then get together and talk about the process. In roundtable episodes, he has multiple guests bring in songs built around a theme. In critique circle episodes, he has guests bring in works in progress to get feedback. All along the way, they have raw and riveting discussions about the craft of songwriting. 

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Music Interviews

Think Twice (Robby Layton and Teresa Penbrooke) return to discuss how they've developed their song "A Place To Lay Our Head" that they originally wrote for this podcast in episode 21 of season 2.  Check out more from Think Twice at https://www.heronshaunt.org/

Think Twice Returns! - S5E2, Raw Songwriting

Originally from Nebraska, Tim Ostdiek was inspired by his father’s passion for music, especially for the Beatles and Paul Simon. Tim picked up the guitar in middle school, started writing songs, and quickly progressed to doing open mics. Once he realized he could get paid to perform several nights a week, there was no turning back from the singer-songwriter lifestyle.  Now based in Colorado, Tim has been a finalist in esteemed songwriting events such as the Telluride Troubadour and Folksfest Songwriting Showcases. Tim has also had his song “Goodbye” featured in the TV show “Road Trip Nation” and has opened for national touring acts such as Sarah Jarosz.  Playful, uplifting, and engaging as a singer, songwriter and performer, he writes feel-good, big-hearted folk with a drop of something funky. Tim doesn't shy away from the deep and heavy, but aims to deliver songs with purpose and hope. Tim Ostdiek’s uplifting folk encapsulates the soul of the Heartland.  You can find more of Tim Ostdiek's music at https://timostdiek.com/ 


Tim Ostdiek - S5E1 Raw Songwriting Podcast

In this episode, Dave hosts have the inaugural critique circle with returning guests Pamela Machala (S2E14), Barry Osborne (S2E5) and Jay Stott (S2E3). In addition to giving feedback on four works in progress, they discuss the "right" way to have a critique circle, plus their best and worst critiques of the past. Join us for another raw and riveting episode! For more, check out: Pamela Machala at https://pamelamachala.com/ Barry Osborne at https://www.distancewalk.com/ Jay Stott at https://jgstott.com/

Critique Circle 2: Pamela Machala, Barry Osborne, Jay Stott - S4E4, Raw Songwriting

In this excerpt from the upcoming Raw Songwriting Critique Circle (S4E4), Pamela Machala, Jay Stott, Barry Osborne and Dave discuss the a line from Pamela's song "Tell Mary Jane I Miss Her".

A Darker Interpretation - Preview: S4E4 Critique Circle 2, Raw Songwriting

Born in Lubbock, Texas, Andy Eppler’s love of music began while watching his mother sing in church. Having been diagnosed with AD/HD, Andy had to work hard to overcome the challenges posed by traditional schooling, but he ultimately learned how to work in solitude on various projects, and once he graduated from South Plains College with a commercial music degree, there was no stopping him. Andy Eppler has been as prolific as an artist can be, having authored many songs, books, art pieces and films. In 2022, Texas Tech University announced a new Andy Eppler Collection to be added to their University Archives alongside other artists such as Waylon Jennings, Buddy Holly and Natalie Maines. He considers the most meaningful waypoints in his career to be associated with political activism, cultural change and community outcomes.  His goal isn’t to become famous, but to become meaningful. He hopes his passion can be fertilizer for other artists who want to grow their hearts. He wants his life to be measured in inspiration.  For more of his creative output, check out Andy's Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/andotheartist/

Susan Veit Heslin - S1E6 Raw Songwriting

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